The matter of religion and science: Response to Huston Smith

Author:Peterson, GR

Article Title:The matter of religion and science: Response to Huston Smith

Abstract:
Huston Smiths Why Religion Matters is the culminating reflections of one of the most respected religion scholars of our day. In this work, Smith sees modern society to be in the midst of a spiritual crisis. According to Smith, this crisis has been brought about by the advance of science and the inroads into what Smith calls the traditional worldview. While Smiths work is of some importance, I believe that several of its fundamental claims are mistaken. Smith often does not accurately portray the content of science and frequently conflates the actual practice of science with philosophical scientism. Smith wrongly blames science alone for the decline of religion among Western elites. His claim that all religions can be equivocally described in terms of the traditional worldview is also problematic. Despite this, Smith does have a clear conception of what the issues are in the relation between science and religion. It is my hope that these issues will continue to be taken seriously.

Keywords:  CTNS; modernity; religion; scientism; worldviews; Zygon

DOI: 10.1111/0591-2385.00352

Source:ZYGON

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